MINE MAINTENANCE
component condition is still sufficient to achieve the new target . Often operations believe they have the potential to extend component life , but Trakka ’ s intelligence Benchmarking Report gives evidence to support this .”
At the end of November , Dingo introduced the Trakka 5.3 release , featuring significant enhancements to its Rules Engine . This improvement automates the processing of condition data for typical trends , minimising the need for human intervention , according to the company .
Meanwhile , Dingo ’ s expanding use of AI is helping fast track the production of digital inspection solutions from paper-based forms .
“ AI has allowed to Dingo to rapidly generate the inspection layout reducing the workload required to implement these digital forms ,” he said . “ These solutions are currently in internal testing and will soon be released to the market .”
Hoist benchmarks
ABB is providing a benchmark of its own to improve maintenance strategies in mining , with its ‘ World Class Maintenance Standard ’ for hoists .
The company recently completed a study to benchmark current hoisting maintenance strategies , reporting that , on average , mining companies have the potential to achieve more than a month of additional production time annually by following recommended predictive maintenance strategies .
The benchmark report includes inputs from mining companies across six regions and eight different industry sectors including diamonds , gold , copper and potash , to better understand the state of hoist maintenance strategies around the world .
Collaborating with customers , ABB reviewed every key aspect of the hoist system . The results highlighted that mining companies using reactive maintenance could make up a gap of around 15 % in availability compared with those already following more proactive approaches .
ABB identified a need for greater standardisation and insight regarding optimal maintenance strategies to help its customers keep mine hoists running .
The value of predictive maintenance was reinforced through this project . Those faced with the highest levels of availability loss had , on average , dedicated less of their maintenance strategy to a proactive approach versus reactive ( 75 % and 25 %, retrospectively ). While periodic maintenance has been implemented across hoist systems , continuous monitoring and assessment were much further behind . Of those surveyed , only 16 % had applied continuous predictive monitoring to their mechanical systems , ABB says .
Using these insights , ABB devised its World Class Maintenance Standard for hoists .
While every mine hoist maintenance system should be designed for the specific requirements of individual hoists , the standard aims to provide mining companies with a baseline for devising the optimal solution for hoist longevity , ABB says . The standard recommends that 90 % of maintenance strategy be focused on predictive maintenance to achieve the highest availability levels .
John Manuell , Global Service Manager for Hoisting , ABB Process Industries , told IM : “ The
An ABB study estimated that , on average , mining companies have the potential to achieve more than a month of additional production time annually by following recommended predictive maintenance strategies
goal of the World Class Maintenance Standard for mine hoists is to make the majority of maintenance activities preventative . Although the aim is to minimise reactive maintenance , it ’ s recognised that eliminating it entirely isn ’ t realistic . The study also indicates that the benefits in terms of equipment availability tend to plateau beyond the recommended world-class
CR Powered by Epiroc , which has a range of mining equipment and technology including lips , GET , dragline buckets and rigging , conveyor systems , fixed plant wear products , plate block and wear and digital solutions , is solidifying its presence in the rapidly growing mining sector of the Middle East .
To this effect , the company recently announced the signing of a dealership agreement with Rasi Investment Co ., a prominent investment firm in Saudi Arabia involved in mining , contracting , CR Powered by Epiroc has a range of mining equipment real estate , IT and trading . and technology including lips , GET , dragline buckets and rigging , conveyor systems , fixed plant wear
This strategic partnership , facilitated products , plate block and wear and digital solutions by Austrade , represents a significant advancement for CR Powered by Epiroc in meeting the increasing demands of Saudi Arabia ’ s dynamic mining industry , it says .
Eng Meshary Al-Ali , Chairman of Rasi Investment Co , stated : “ Partnering with CR Powered by Epiroc , the leading supplier of ground engagement tools and digital solutions , enables our mining operators in the Kingdom to source application-appropriate tools while considering engineering , manufacturing and supply chain variables . This collaboration will help reduce downtime and increase productivity by at least 5 %.”
Paul Scutt , CEO of CR Powered by Epiroc , added : “ This agreement is a critical milestone for CR Powered by Epiroc as we expand into key regions vital to the future of mining in the Middle East and globally . Rasi Investment Co ’ s extensive local market knowledge , combined with our cuttingedge technology , will allow us to deliver exceptional value to our customers .
“ We look forward to a successful collaboration that drives innovation and efficiency in the global mining industry .”
26 International Mining | JANUARY 2025